Royal Air Forces Association Costa Blanca Branch 1359 Vuelos – Awards Special Newsletter - Issue 27 – Nov 2013 (Digital Edition)

Spanish Charity Number G54288329

Presidential Awards to Colin, Graham and Pat At our October meeting at Elviras Restaurant and Bar in San Luis, our European Area Chairman, Bob Hunt, presented European Area Presidential Awards for 2013 (signed by Air Marshal Sir Peter Walker) to Colin Broad (far left), and Pat and Graham Distin (shown on the right holding their award). These awards were in recognition of their outstanding contribution to RAFA over the years. Colin was a founder member of the Branch and has carried the Standard at major function since the Branch began. Colin has been at the forefront in in Branch activities and fund raising with of course the fantastic support of his wife Mary. The joint award to Pat and Graham was in recognition of outstanding service to the Branch as Secretary and Treasurer respectively, and also their co-ordination of Wings fund raising efforts.

Flowers for the Ladies In recognition of the role played by all the ladies of the Branch our principal ladies of the day were presented with bouquets of flowers.

Page 1 October Branch General Meeting and Lunch

- Elviras Restaurant - San Luis - On Tuesday 15th October the Branch held it’s monthly General Meeting at Elviras Restaurant in San Luis. The venue for this meeting was chosen as we had invited the RAFA European Area Chairman, Bob Hunt, accompanied by his wife Margaret, to meet and brief Branch members on the recent European Conference in Guernsey. He then surprised us by presenting the awards shown on Page 1. The lunch was excellent and the service brilliant. Thank you to the staff at Elviras at San Luis – a restaurant we definitely recommend.

European Conference Mini -Brief

Bob said how pleased he and his wife were to to visit the Branch and be made so welcome. He then gave a short resume of the business discussed at the European Conference. Problems with methods of accounting at RAFAHQ were being addressed and were close to resolution. Recruiting for RAFA members from initial training for both airmen and officers was seen to be high and very important for the survival of RAFA.

Bob hoped members would involve themselves by putting forward any comments and suggestions to Council.

Graham Knight made Honorary Membership of RAFA Costa Blanca South

In recognition of his support the branch, whilst a member of the Torrevieja Ayuntamiento (International Residents Office), the Chairman invited Graham Knight to come forward and accept an Honorary Membership of the Branch. Graham said he was a great admirer of what the RAFA Branch stands for and was very grateful to receive the honour. He said that his father, who served in the RAF during WWII and was recently deceased, would have been immensely proud too. (Graham is shown in the picture on Page 1, 2nd from the left – his wife Dori is in the Ladies picture, 2nd from the right).

Page 2 -THE AIR TRANSPORT AUXILIARY- -WINGING IT!-

In keeping with the theme of the Wings Appeal, a lady member of our branch (Heather Wehner) provided me with information about a lady pilot from WWII who now lives aged 86, in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA. Yvonne MacDonald spent her youth in Barnstaple and the Cotswold’s and joined the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) in 1943. Yvonne joined after the loss of her 22 yr old husband in an air raid over Berlin. Yvonne had no previous flying experience but applied to join the ATA and was accepted for training. Her sister, Joy also applied and they ended up being the only sisters out of the 240 females who served in the ATA.

They reported to Thame in Sep 1943, and were bussed each day to Barton for instruction. They were given only 12 hours to solo. She first flew with an instructor on Oct 8th, flew solo on Nov 8th, and earned her wings on the 1st March, exactly 1 year after her husbands' death. She survived the war having flown around twenty different aircraft types. The ATA was originally formed to transport mail and medical supplies. In August 1939 it was placed under British Airways Ltd for administration and finance headed by Gerard d'Erlanger, a BOAC director. On 10 October 1939 the Air Member for Supply and Organisation took control. The first pilots were assigned to RAF Reserve Command and attached to RAF Flights to ferry trainers, fighters and bombers from factory and storage to RAF Stations. On the 22nd July 1941 the ATA came under the control of the Ministry of Production and on the 1st August 1941, the ATA took over all ferry jobs which freed much- needed combat pilots for combat duty. Throughout these changes administration remained under Commander Gerard d’Erlanger CBE.

Yvonne and her sister Joy on a visit to the UK in 2009

Page 3 JOE’S STORY

Another branch member, Joe Wallace volunteered an article for Vuelos. Here is Joe's Story:

An air raid over East London in 1940 saw my family home demolished and I was evacuated to Middlesex. I spent my school days in Uxbridge, the same town as the RAF Music Services Headquarters. I learned to play a brass instrument and made many musician friends some of whom were in the RAF Central Band.

On reaching the age of 18 it was a natural process to join the RAF School of Music, and I spent the next 20 years as a Musician, eventually returning to Uxbridge to take up a position on the trombone section of the Central Band. On 6/7th July this year I attended the Reunion and AGM of the RAF Music Services Association at RAF Northolt. Coincidentally, I also celebrated my 78th birthday at the dinner – exactly 60 years to the day since I spent my 18th birthday cleaning bren-guns at RAF Bridgnorth where I was posted to do my square-bashing.

The photograph taken at the dinner shows: Left to right, Wg Cdr Duncan Stubbs (Principal Director of Music), Wg Cdr (Rtd) Barrie Hingley (a past PDM), myself, Sqn Ldr (Rtd) Alan Mossford, Sqn Ldr (Rtd) Norman Warnes (both past DoMs) and Flt Lt Richard Murray (Director of Music). (How many do you know?)

After lunch on Sunday the Central Band entertained us with a concert after which we veterans had a ‘blow’ conducted by Flt Lt Richard Murray. It may interest you to know that the RAF March was composed by the first two Organising Directors of Music, Walford Davies and George Dyson. Later, Sir Walford Davies became Master of the King’s Music and George, the Principal of the Royal College of Music. The RAF March is claimed to be the most musical of all Regimental, Corps and Service marches. We would agree with that, wouldn’t we?!!!!

Many ex-RAF musicians have made their mark in civvy-street, joining orchestras and dance bands. I entered the teaching profession for 12 years and spent the last 15 years of my working life as a civil servant at the MoD in Horseguards Avenue.

In 2006 my wife Jean and I relocated to the sunshine here in Spain. We have joined various associations and activities, including RAFA. I continue playing an instrument with bands, currently the ‘Millermen’, and the local Spanish band in Los Montesinos where we have made our home. Enjoy the music!!

Page 4 RAFA WINGS CHARITY COLLECTION 2013

The Royal Air Forces Association is committed to providing confidential, professional and fair services to members of the wider RAF family from the youngest recruit to the oldest veteran and their families. Training and support for welfare volunteers and staff ensures services are consistent and of the highest possible standard. Welfare provided by RAFA is wide-ranging: from providing home visits and respite care breaks, to offering advice and financial assistance in times of difficulty. I've borrowed some examples of the assistance that RAFA has given recently from the RAFA website:

Example 1 - WWII Veteran

During WWII James Robinson, aged 20, served in the Far East. In later years, due to his prolonged exposure to the sun, James developed skin cancer. The RAFA War Pensions Manager helped secure him a grant that has made his condition more bearable, also offering friendship and a listening ear. RAFA were also able to help his wife who suffers from osteoporosis, and were able to provide them both with items to make their lives more comfortable. James said: “We never knew these things were available. It is amazing who is out there to help.”

Example 2 - SAC Served in Iraq – 2007 SAC Jon-Allan Butterworth joined the as an Armourer. In 2007 he was posted to the Joint Force Helicopter Group in Iraq. Two and a half months into his tour of duty he was wounded in a rocket attack and lost his left arm. At the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court Jon attended the 'Battle Back' programme and he was given a trial by British Cycling. After leaving the RAF in 2009, he was contracted to the GB Paralympic Development Squad and has much success since. From 2009 Jon has been backed by RAFA including more than £4,500 a year in sponsorship. Jon-Allan is now looking forward to the 2016 Paralympic Games in 2016.

Example 3 - Falklands Airwoman Injured

SAC Maria Parnell-Green suffered serious head injury on deployment in the Falklands. Consequently, she suffered a major stroke with complications. Despite battling back from her injuries and undergoing re-training, Maria was discharged from the RAF in 2004. In 2007 she developed serious epilepsy and depression and was unable to continue working. In 2011 Maria split with her partner and had major financial problems; Maria had been turned down twice for a war pension but RAFA provided assistance with re- organising her finances and obtaining grants to set up a new home. RAFA is also helping with a war pension appeal and are hoping for a successful outcome.

Get help, or help us… If you need our help, contact our Welfare Officer. Page 5 RAFA Costa Blanca South Raises over €6500 for Wings

Despite us all continuing to face more restrictions on their finances, the total amount raised in this year's Wings fund raising effort has resulted in a magnificent total of over €6500. Of this, approximately half has been accomplished by members through a variety of sources, including collection boxes located in many bars and commercial enterprises, for which grateful thanks go to the proprietors concerned. Also from selling RAFA memorabilia, home made cards, books and raffles at public events on the Costa Blanca and at our monthly meetings. Special limited Edition Red Arrows Teddies were also raffled at our monthly meetings. Members also contributed via Home Collection Boxes - which you are all encouraged to take and put in your loose centimos (its amazing how much it can add up too).

One concentrated fund raising effort for 2013 took place during the period 7th-19th September. In the first week, 'WINGS WEEK', the managers of the Iceland Stores (Overseas Supermarket), located in Torrevieja, San Fulgencio and San Javier, once more gave permission for members to collect donations within their stores. This kind act resulted in over €3000 being donated by most generous members of the public. Sincere thanks go to the managers of those stores, their members of staff, and to all those members of the public who generously gave donations.

A Visit to the Spanish Air Academy

San Javier - Fri 7 Jun 2013

By Terry Joy – Branch Chairman Early on Fri Jun 7th, along with my wife Carol, and Graham and Pat Distin I travelled to the Spanish Air Academy. As part of their 125th Anniversary they had invited people to tour of the military base on the 7th and 14th of June. The tour lasted some three hours and involved a lot of walking. The day began with a parade of some three hundred cadets and the raising of the Spanish flag accompanied by their own Academy band, very impressive. We then toured the base visiting, the museum, dining hall, church and then having a fifteen minute video presentation of the aims and objectives of the Academy. Finally we had a tour of the hangars where all the aircraft are stored including the famous 'Patrulla Aguila' (Eagle Patrol) display team of the Spanish Airforce. (http://www.patrullaaguila.com/)

Page 6 Battle of Britain Service and Lunch Saturday 14 Sep 2013

On Saturday 14th September the branch held a service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving for all those who died during the battle of Britain. On a warm sunny day members gathered inside and outside La Siesta church to pay their respects. The service was conducted by the branch Chaplain, Chris Scargill, who in his address reminded us all about the debt we owe for our freedoms today. Along with the Branch Standard and the National Flags of the UK and Spain, members from the two local RBL Branches, the Royal Naval Association and the Royal Marines Association formed a guard of honour around the Memorial Garden. After a prayer a wreath was laid by Branch Chairman, Terry Joy. Large blue crosses were laid by Sergeant Linda Thomas from the AirAttache’s office in Madrid, and a representative from the Torrevieja Town Hall. Individuals then laid their own personal crosses.

Carmen's Restaurant – El Chapparal

After the Service, members and friends retired to Carmen’s Restaurant where they enjoyed a splendid carvery.

Pst. Check out these websites for lots of Christmas goodies.

http://www.rafashop.com/ http://www.rafmuseumshop.com/

Page 7 Battle of Britain Dinner Dance – El Prado - Thursday 19 Sep 2013

In the second 'Wings Week' on Thursday 19th September a Grand Draw was made at the Battle of Britain Dinner Dance, held at the 'El Prado' restaurant in San Miguel. The draw raised a further €800 towards the Wings Appeal.

Wings Appeal Grand Draw Winners The 1st prize of David's Coaches Vouchers to the value of 200 Euros went to dance-goers Eddie and Margaret pictured here with the Editor. 2nd Prize €50 Iceland Voucher - Denise London 3rd Prize €50 Iceland voucher - Roy Saunders 4th Prize €50 Iceland Voucher Sue & Malcolm Other prizes were won by: Pam Heath, Margaret, Colin Lancaster, Mike Truelove, Steve, Andrea, Terry Watson, C Greenland, Pat Cox Graham Distin, Diane L and Bruce Heath.

Dinner at El Prado was magnificent and the staff excelled themselves. I had the roast lamb which I would recommend without hesitation. Dancing to the music of 'Woody' followed the meal and raffle, which everybody appeared to enjoy, some more enthusiastically than others!! El Prado is easy to find as it is near the location of the Wednesday market. Parking is easy.

Although fund raising forms a large part in the aims of RAFA, it is not it's only one. A major role is to bring together like minded people to socialise and have fun, so why don't you give it a try. If you would like more information please visit the new Branch Web Site,

www.rafacb.com

Page 8 A Few Words from Chairman – Terry Joy

The euphoria and excitement that surrounds Wings collection is over for another year. It has been a good year and what a month October was with three of our long serving and dedicated members receiving recognition for their efforts, a very special moment and well deserved. What will the New Year bring? Firstly many members will be travelling to Benalmadena in February to celebrate the amalgamation of the Gibraltar and Benalmadena branches; to be called the, 'Costa Del Sol' branch. Is this a sign of this to come; This should be closely followed by our own branch 10th Anniversary celebrations, details of which will appear in due course. Much talk as been about recruitment and retention. As your Chairman I want us all to concentrate on retention, look after who we have got and regain lapsed members. We need to make meetings as interesting as possible and enhance the social side, to me a vital cog in the machinery of RAFA. How nice it would be come our branch elections to have more members participating in committee activities. The committee would concentrate on making the social side more enjoyable and interesting or am I just dreaming ! On behalf of Carol myself and the committee may I take this opportunity of wishing all members and their families a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

RBL Fun Day - Playa Flamenca - 15 Jun 2013

Way back in June, a Fun Day, organised by the Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion, took place at Playa Flamenca. The usual stalwarts represented RAFA Costa Blanca South. Colin Broad carried the standard and led us on the informal march from near Mercadona supermarket to the beach. Graham, Pat and Mary manned our stand and altogether €197 was raised towards Wings. This included the sale of 2 RAFA Teddy Bears and Pat's cards. Again, job done by Mary and Pat.

Page 9 RAFA Costa Blanca South Lunches

On Friday 24th May we went to the Alingui Restaurant at Los Balcones . This was followed on Friday 21st Jun by fish and chips at 'Quesada Fish and Chips'. On Friday 19th Jul we enjoyed an Indian Meal in Los Montesinos courtesy of organiser Alan Brown.

Participation in Military Model Exhibition - Torrevieja

RAFA Costa Blanca South displayed their Standard at the Annual Military Model Exhibition in Torrevieja. The exhibition included models of ships, submarines, aircraft of all Nations, battle scenes and general military scenes. If you missed it you missed something very special. In recognition of our participation the Torrevieja Town Hall presented us with a Certificate as shown.

DIARY DATES – Nov Dec 2013 Mon 11 Nov Armistice Service – La Siesta Church 1030 for 1100. Lunch after at El Raso Restaurant. Tues 19 Nov Branch Meeting – El Paraiso – (Phil Haward Special!!). Tue 3 Dec Christmas Lunch – The Nautilus – Punta Prima. Sat 7 Dec Flower Parade – Torrevieja – from Sagrado Corazon. Friday Dec 13 Carol Service – Torrevieja – Main Square – (Food Collection). Tues 17 Dec Branch Meeting – El Paraiso – (with Xmas Buffet). Branch Meetings every 3rd Tues in the Month at 14:30 preceded by Lunch (optional) at 12:30. Held at El Paraiso Nr Carrefour /Habaneras in Torrevieja.

Crevillente (San Luis/La Siesta) CV 905 El Paraiso

Carrefour Torrevieja Centro Page 10 Memories of - RAF – From Norman and Pat

Norman and Pat Scotting wrote: “I was surfing the web and I looked up RAF Seletar, now known as Seletar Airport. Pat and I and possibly other branch members served there, so I thought you might do an article on it.” So here goes:

RAF Seletar was a Royal Air Force station in between 1928 and 1971. Initial plans for establishing an airfield, flying boat and naval base in Singapore were first agreed in 1921. In 1942 Seletar succumbed to the invading Japanese Army but was returned to the RAF in 1945. The first planes to arrive at the base were four seaplanes on 28 February 1928. Types to use Seletar included: 1928 Supermarine Southampton 1938 Sunderland 1940,s Catalina, Vildebeest, Albacore 1945 Spitfire, Mosquito, Beaufighters 1960's Whirlwind, Blackburn Beverleys. Single and Twin Pioneer aircraft, Andover, , Belvedere, Valetta.

In 1968 the Singapore Air Force Flight Training School was formed using the Cessna. Today, Seletar operates as a general aviation airport, mainly for chartered flights and training. The Republic of Singapore and Seletar Flying Clubs are both based at Seletar as is the Singapore Flying College. The air base was briefly host to Amy Johnson during May 1930 on her UK - Australia flight in her Gipsy Moth named 'Jason'.

Page 11 STOP PRESS

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2013 – Mil Palmeras

On Sunday 10th November the Orihuela Costa Branch of the RBL hosted a Service of Remembrance attended by some 10 branch members. The photo on the right shows our Chairman laying a wreath on behalf of RAFA, also our Standard Bearer Colin Broad. A fine lunch was enjoyed afterwards at the Olympia restaurant.

ARMISTICE DAY 2013 – Service & Lunch Monday 11th November, Armistice Day, a Service hosted by the Torrevieja Branch of the RBL was held at La Siesta Church with many RAFA members, ex-members, wives and partners attending. The RBL Torrevieja President, Ted Marsh, hosted the Mayor of Torrevieja, several Councillors, members of other ex-service organisations and of course the general public. Seating was at a premium this year with a full church and over 200 outside seats full.

After the Service we enjoyed lunch at the El Raso Restaurant at El Raso (Campo de Guardamar).

Page 12 COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Post Name Telephone e-mail

President Bruce Heath 966786079 [email protected] Vice President Colin Broad 966797694 [email protected] Chairman Terry Joy 966262695 [email protected] Treasurer Graham Distin 966786635 [email protected] Secretary Pat Distin 966786635 [email protected] Vice Chairman Colin Broad 966797694 [email protected] Welfare Philip Haward 966848501 [email protected] Wings Co-coordinator vacant Functions Member vacant Membership Sec Noel Cork 966723451 [email protected] Publicity Bruce Heath 966786079 [email protected] ------Vuelos Editor Tony Clarke 966189133 [email protected]

Branch Chaplain Rev Chris Scargill contact via Bruce If you can afford a few hours a month We have a new website: helping to support your branch and www.rafacb.com it's committee please contact Terry or (The old one still exists but it seems Bruce. Help will be given if required. to have been hijacked (Ed)). THANKYOU

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